Georgy Filimonov: Authoritarian experiment in Vologda

A rare occurrence in Russia: residents of the region, including supporters of the current government, are protesting against a Kremlin appointee. In late February 2025, a group of 120 Vologda residents, supporters of the United Russia party, submitted a formal appeal to Vladimir Putin requesting the removal of Georgy Filimonov as governor of the Vologda Region. At the same time, a public petition calling for Filimonov’s resignation appeared on Change.org, quickly gathering over 16,000 signatures within a few days.

Both appeals highlight growing social tensions and the ineffectiveness of the governor’s policies, which include initiatives such as the proposal to ban abortions, the introduction of dry law, praise for Stalin, and ideas linked to the oprichnina (policy of state terror implemented by Tsar Ivan the Terrible in Russia between 1565 and 1572).

After being appointed acting governor of Vologda Region — a North-Western Russian region with a population of around 1.1 million people — in September 2023, Georgy Filimonov quickly attracted attention for his controversial and ideologically driven approach to governance. Although Filimonov lacks administrative experience, his tenure highlights a shift in Russian regional politics, with the Kremlin increasingly appointing officials who prioritize ideological loyalty over managerial efficiency.

In this analysis of Governor Filimonov’s political profile, REM aims to examine the trends shaping the Kremlin's current regional policies.

Blend of Nationalism and Conservatism

Filimonov’s rise to power is closely tied to his alignment with Russia’s nationalist movements. Prior to his appointment in Vologda, he worked with several government-backed organizations, including the All-Russian People’s Front (ONF), a pro-Kremlin movement founded by Vladimir Putin. His involvement with the ONF, which promotes conservative values and supports the Kremlin's agenda, laid the groundwork for his future political career. With a background in youth programs and patriotic education, Filimonov emerged as an ideal candidate for a leadership role that would help advance the Kremlin's agenda of national unity and ideological conformity.

Filimonov’s time as deputy governor of Moscow Oblast exposed him to administrative work, though his primary focus remained on promoting traditional values and supporting policies that align with the Kremlin’s vision of an ideologically unified Russia. It became clear very soon that Filimonov’s approach to governance prioritized reinforcing the state’s ideology over solving pressing problems in the region.

Ideology Over Governance

Since taking office, Filimonov has prioritized symbolic nationalist initiatives over the region’s more pressing economic and social issues. His administration has championed patriotic education programs for schoolchildren, emphasizing military-style parades and a version of Russian history taught from a nationalistic lens.

Filimonov’s fixation on militaristic rhetoric and state-sanctioned patriotism has resulted in the militarization of local education, with children taking part in parades. This approach reflects a broader trend across Russia, where regional leaders are tasked with shaping a generation steeped in nationalism and prepared for prolonged confrontation with the West.

Ivan the Terrible and Oprichnina

Filimonov’s political style has been compared to the concept of oprichnina, the infamous period of state terror initiated by Tsar Ivan the Terrible in the 16th century. During this time, Ivan established a special force — oprichniki — to enforce his authoritarian rule, which was characterized by violent purges and the centralization of power.

Filimonov has been applying similar tactics of control and intimidation. The reinforcement of a highly centralized governance model, where loyalty to the state is prioritized and dissent is discouraged, mirrors the authoritarian practices of Ivan the Terrible. Filimonov has been also known to build a “loyalist” base, where local officials and organizations are expected to demonstrate unwavering allegiance to his leadership, much like oprichniki were used to enforce total control.

The governor himself seems to relish comparisons of his rule with that of Ivan the Terrible. To emphasize this, Filimonov has appeared in public wearing attire resembling the black capes and ceremonial robes of Ivan the Terrible’s oprichniki, a move that has been interpreted as a symbolic gesture.

The concept of oprichnina has found a new relevance under Filimonov’s leadership in Vologda, as he seeks to consolidate power through a combination of political suppression and state-sponsored loyalty programs. This is particularly evident in his tight control over the local bureaucracy.

Although the parallels between Filimonov’s governance style and oprichnina may seem random, it is far from it. During Ivan the Terrible’s reign, Vologda was known as the heart of the oprichnina. It was in Vologda that the Tsar narrowly escaped an assassination attempt — while overseeing the construction of a church, a brick was thrown at him from the roof, though it missed its target.

Perhaps inspired by Ivan the Terrible, Filimonov proposed the creation of a nonprofit organization under the name Oprichnik, aimed at “shaping the moral and ideological values of the youth”. However, possibly recalling the near-miss of that fateful brick — and the potential risks of such an initiative in today’s political landscape — he ultimately abandoned the project. Instead, he expressed his intent to erect a monument to Ivan the Terrible in Vologda.

Social Policies: Dry Law and Anti-Abortion Measures

When it comes to social projects, perhaps the most talked-about initiative of Filimonov was the introduction of a dry law in the Vologda Region. Effective from 1 March 2025, alcohol can only be sold for two hours a day, from 12:00 to 14:00. Presented as a public health measure, the policy has provoked backlash from local businesses and fueled a black market for alcohol, underscoring the disconnect between the governor’s ideological motives and the practical needs of the population.

Not stopping at alcohol restrictions, Filimonov has proposed a complete ban on abortions in the region, including in private clinics. This motion, inspired by several conservative public organizations and the Russian Orthodox Church, has stirred controversy. The governor rushed to explain that the aim was not to impose a legal ban, but to initiate a public debate on the ethical aspects of abortion.

Cult of Personality and Stalinism

To reinforce his ideological stance, Filimonov has cultivated an image as a staunch patriot and admirer of Russia’s Soviet past. His office is decorated with portraits of Soviet leaders, most notably Joseph Stalin, whose image is prominently displayed. This choice reflects Filimonov’s political philosophy, which blends nationalism with elements of Soviet nostalgia. His veneration of Stalin, however, is part of a broader trend in Russia to rehabilitate Soviet figures, particularly Stalin, who is increasingly portrayed as a symbol of national strength.

Apart from that, Filimonov has supported the erection of a monument to Stalin in Vologda. The monument is intended to honor Stalin’s role in the country’s history, despite his brutal legacy and the millions who suffered under his regime. This decision has further cemented Filimonov’s image as a leader unafraid to challenge conventional narratives and embrace more extreme expressions of patriotism.

Consequences of the experiment

Under Filimonov’s leadership, the Vologda Region has increasingly become a platform for ideological messaging as opposed to efficient governance. Critics argue that public funds are being diverted from essential services to support political and cultural projects that do little to address the challenges faced by the region. Local officials, many of whom share Filimonov’s ideological views, are reportedly under pressure to demonstrate loyalty to the governor.

For the residents of Vologda, the consequences of this ideological experiment are palpable. Public services are underfunded, economic growth is stagnating, and daily life is increasingly shaped by the governor’s political agenda. While Filimonov may embody the Kremlin’s ideal regional leader — a loyal enforcer of ideological conformity — his governance model seems focused more on theatrical performance than on delivering practical progress.